Indian film icons Bobby Deol, Suriya hail Riyadh visit

Bollywood icon Bobby Deol and Tamil cinema veteran Suriya spoke to fans at an event in Riyadh this week. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
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Bollywood icon Bobby Deol and Tamil cinema veteran Suriya spoke to fans at an event in Riyadh this week. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
Indian film icons Bobby Deol, Suriya hail Riyadh visit
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Over the past few weeks, Suriya and Deol have been promoting “Kanguva” across India and abroad. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
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Updated 12 November 2024
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Indian film icons Bobby Deol, Suriya hail Riyadh visit

Indian film icons Bobby Deol, Suriya hail Riyadh visit
  • The duo are in the Kingdom’s capital to promote epic saga ‘Kanguva,’ in theaters on Nov. 14

RIYADH: Bollywood icon Bobby Deol and Tamil cinema veteran Suriya spent time with fans and members of the press to promote their new film “Kanguva” in Riyadh.

They are among the latest international stars to visit the Kingdom’s capital and interact with local fans of their work.

“Kanguva” is an epic fantasy action film directed by Siva, starring Suriya, Deol, and Disha Patani, which hits the Kingdom’s theaters on Nov. 14.




Over the past few weeks, Suriya and Deol have been promoting “Kanguva” across India and abroad. (Supplied)

Speaking to fans at an event in Riyadh this week, Deol expressed his appreciation for fans in Saudi Arabia. “Today I am here with all of you, and so many of you. I am happy to be here among you all. I love you, Suriya loves you, we all love you for so much of your love and compassion,” he said.

Speaking about his first visit to Riyadh, Deol added: “I feel so happy that our people live here and are liked by the host country. I am glad to see you all. It’s your energy, it’s your love that gives us strength, and whatever we are today, it’s because of your love.

“So, thank you so much for having us here today.”

HIGHLIGHT

Bobby Deol and Suriya are among the latest international stars to visit the Kingdom’s capital to promote their film.

Suriya is in Riyadh for the first time for the film’s promotion.

The style icon told Arab News: “I am happy to be among our people living here and to see a lot of transformation going on in the Kingdom, including in the cinema sector, thanks to Vision 2030 — the ambitious plan to transform Saudi Arabia, diversify its economy and open to the world.




Deol said he is geared up for the release of “Kanguva,” his first multilingual work in both Tamil and Hindi. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)

“It aims to create an ambitious nation, a thriving economy, and a vibrant society that allows citizens and residents to achieve their dreams, hopes and aspirations, I am happy to see the transformation,” the actor added.

Suriya and Deol also spoke about sharing the screen in “Kanguva,” admiring each other’s roles and working together.

Deol said he is geared up for the release of “Kanguva,” his first multilingual work in both Tamil and Hindi. He shared his admiration for Suriya, highlighting the powerful presence the actor brings on the screen.

Over the past few weeks, Suriya and Deol have been promoting “Kanguva” across India and abroad.

With Suriya in a double role and Deol as a dangerous villain, the film was made with a budget of over $35million and is one of the most anticipated Indian films of the year.

The film also features Patani as a character connected to both a historical and contemporary timeline. Primarily known for her glamorous roles, action-packed sequences and songs, this role portrays her in a fresh look.

 


Saudi Arabia calls for peace, addresses global challenges at opening of G20 Summit in Brazil

Saudi Arabia calls for peace, addresses global challenges at opening of G20 Summit in Brazil
Updated 22 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia calls for peace, addresses global challenges at opening of G20 Summit in Brazil

Saudi Arabia calls for peace, addresses global challenges at opening of G20 Summit in Brazil
  • Prince Faisal bin Farhan leads Kingdom’s delegation on behalf of crown prince 

RIO DE JANEIRO: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led the Kingdom’s delegation at the first session of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, which opened on Monday.

Prince Faisal, who is leading the delegation on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, spoke at the summit’s opening session which was called “Social Inclusion and Combating Hunger and Poverty.”

Prince Faisal highlighted pressing global challenges, noting that increasing tensions, military conflicts, and humanitarian crises were significant obstacles to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, adding: “Development and prosperity cannot be achieved on the ruins of death and destruction.”

Moving on to the ongoing crises in the Middle East, Prince Faisal pointed to Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, describing them as sources of severe human suffering and catalysts which were pushing the region toward broader conflict.

He said: “The ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon has caused unprecedented levels of human suffering; is pushing the region to the brink of a wider war … and is undermining the credibility of international law and institutions.”

Prince Faisal reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to peace, stating the Kingdom’s unwavering stance on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza; unrestricted access to humanitarian assistance; the release of hostages; and a serious commitment to lasting peace based on the two-state solution according to the 1967 borders, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The minister also addressed the situation in Sudan, expressing concern over the severe human toll due to the conflict, and obstacles preventing the delivery of humanitarian aid to affected communities.

In addition to political challenges, Prince Faisal commended Brazil’s initiative in launching the International Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, which aligns with Saudi Arabia’s development and humanitarian objectives. He announced the Kingdom’s participation in the alliance, which resonates with its long-standing global efforts.

He said: “The Kingdom is pleased to be part of this alliance that is in line with its development goals and its global role in this regard, which is expressed by the programs of the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid (and) the Saudi Fund for Development, in addition to its global contributions to the programs of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to support developing countries.”

The Kingdom’s delegation included Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Deputy Minister of Finance (Saudi Sherpa for the G20) Abdul Mohsen bin Saad Al-Khalaf, and Ambassador to Brazil Faisal bin Ibrahim Ghulam.

The G20 Summit in Brazil serves as a platform for the world’s leading economies to address global challenges and promote collective solutions aimed at fostering sustainable development and social equity.


Saudi defense minister meets governor of US State of Indiana

Saudi defense minister meets governor of US State of Indiana
Updated 39 min 41 sec ago
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Saudi defense minister meets governor of US State of Indiana

Saudi defense minister meets governor of US State of Indiana
  • The two discussed bilateral ties and other issues of common interest

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman met with Governor of the US state of Indiana Eric Holcomb in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, the two discussed bilateral ties and other issues of common interest, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Saudi Deputy Minister of Defense Prince Abdulrahman bin Ayyaf and Chief of Staff Gen. Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili were among the Saudi officials present.

Commander-in-Chief of the Indiana National Guard Maj. Gen. Roger Lyles and head of the US Military Training Mission in the Kingdom Col. Dirk Smith were among the US officials present.

 


Misk City, Samsung Saudi Arabia to collaborate in smart city technology

Misk City, Samsung Saudi Arabia to collaborate in smart city technology
Updated 18 November 2024
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Misk City, Samsung Saudi Arabia to collaborate in smart city technology

Misk City, Samsung Saudi Arabia to collaborate in smart city technology
  • Partnership forms part of vision to create ‘integrated system that supports innovation and creativity among Saudi youth’

RIYADH: Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City, which is also known as Misk City, on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding with the tech giant Samsung Electronics to cooperate in the sectors of smart city technology, sustainability, and youth empowerment.

Misk City’s CEO David Henry signed the memorandum with the President of Samsung Electronics Saudi Arabia Hendrick Lee, on the sidelines of the Misk Global Forum in Riyadh, which finishes on Tuesday.

Henry said that the partnership with Samsung “represents an important step in line with Misk City’s strategic vision of creating an integrated system that supports innovation and creativity among Saudi youth,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He stressed the importance of working with Samsung “to create a vibrant and innovative environment that presents a unique model for smart cities.” 

Lee said that Samsung’s “cooperation with Misk City represents our unified commitment to leading innovation and sustainability with the aim of developing transformative solutions that enhance urban life and empower future generations in the field of technology, which benefits our communities.” 

The two parties will also collaborate on developing training programs specifically designed to hone the skills of Saudi’s youth to help enhance smart city experiences. These programs will later be hosted and delivered in Misk City, the SPA added.

Samsung Electronics is also considering setting up a showroom in Misk City to showcase its latest artificial intelligence-powered smart technologies, providing visitors with a firsthand experience of smart homes and understanding of future innovations.


Steve Wozniak urges Saudi youth to dream, innovate, and conquer the future of AI

Steve Wozniak urges Saudi youth to dream, innovate, and conquer the future of AI
Updated 18 November 2024
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Steve Wozniak urges Saudi youth to dream, innovate, and conquer the future of AI

Steve Wozniak urges Saudi youth to dream, innovate, and conquer the future of AI
  • Wozniak shared his insights on artificial intelligence, creativity, and the importance of ethics in technology
  • Steve Wozniak: The greatest things happen when you take risks

RIYADH: Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple and a pioneer of the modern computing era, delivered an inspiring talk titled “Me, Myself, and AI” at the Misk Global Forum in Riyadh.

Speaking to a packed audience of young Saudis and global tech enthusiasts, Wozniak shared his insights on artificial intelligence, creativity, and the importance of ethics in technology, emphasizing the unique potential of Saudi youth to lead the next wave of innovation. 

The session, part of a larger series focused on innovation, opened with Wozniak reflecting on his journey in shaping the personal computing revolution. He encouraged the audience to embrace risks and challenges as integral to success.

“The greatest things happen when you take risks,” he said. “Even if they fail, we always hear that you learn from your failures. But I think step after step after step, the total number of hours that you have put into doing things, even the risks that don’t come through, they lead up to your own abilities.”

This emphasis on resilience and perseverance resonates with Saudi Arabia’s aspiration to become a global leader in technology and entrepreneurship under Vision 2030.

Addressing the rise of AI and its transformative power, Wozniak highlighted the need for ethical considerations in its development. He explained that while AI can serve as a valuable tool, human oversight remains crucial.

“AI should be like a reporter bringing the information and a human being should be the editor (who) looks at it and decides which of it is important,” he said.

Wozniak also warned about the dangers of misinformation and manipulation in the digital age, calling for greater transparency in AI systems.

He advocated for clear guidelines to ensure that AI-generated content is accurate and trustworthy. “When AI generates information, users should be able to click and see where it came from. Attribution and accuracy are critical for building trust,” he explained.

This call for transparency aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to integrate cutting-edge technologies while ensuring they serve the public good.

Wozniak urged the young audience to approach AI not just as a tool for progress but as a responsibility to humanity, emphasizing the need to create systems that reflect ethical values. 

Throughout the session, Wozniak’s advice to Saudi youth centered on embracing creativity and taking ownership of their ideas. He encouraged them to focus on meaningful projects and hands-on learning, which he believes are essential for fostering innovation. “Whether it’s robotics, AI, or another area of technology, young people should focus on building something meaningful,” he said.

Drawing from his experience as a fifth-grade teacher, Wozniak shared how empowering students through project-based learning can unlock their potential. “When students take ownership of a project, they learn skills that go beyond the classroom. They develop critical thinking and creativity, which are key to driving innovation,” he said.

Wozniak also emphasized the importance of creating an environment where students can experiment and explore without fear of failure. 

He ended his session on a personal note, sharing his philosophy on life and success. For him, happiness and positivity take precedence over material accomplishments. “My formula for life is not about accomplishment. It’s about happiness,” he said. “Focus on the positive, that’s the optimistic side. Don’t argue with people … always look for constructive solutions.” 

As the session ended, he urged young innovators to collaborate across disciplines and respect diverse perspectives. He emphasized the importance of teamwork in creating impactful solutions. “Engineering, marketing, and business must work together to create meaningful solutions. No single discipline can succeed alone,” he added.

As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward becoming a global innovation leader, Wozniak’s message to its youth is clear: take risks, stay ethical, and build with purpose.


Young voices at heart of Misk forum

Young voices at heart of Misk forum
Updated 18 November 2024
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Young voices at heart of Misk forum

Young voices at heart of Misk forum
  • Misk City ‘empowering and investing in youth,’ Misk Foundation CEO says
  • Kadi Al-Khathaam: ‘Reading for me is the light out of any darkness or hesitance’

RIYADH: Misk City is poised to be a transformative hub for young people, blending creativity with opportunity, according to the CEO of the Misk Foundation.

“Misk City is not just a place filled with buildings and roads, it is an exceptional place for an exceptional city,” Badr Al-Bader said on the first day of the Misk Global Forum 2024.

The purpose-built destination was committed to fostering talent and innovation, he said.

The eighth Misk Global Forum is showcasing the foundation’s dedication to engaging young minds.

“With over 150,000 visitors and more than 1,000 speakers from 130 countries, this edition was notable for its youthful demographic,” Al-Bader said.

“This is the largest and smallest in terms of average age. We are proud to see so many young voices contributing to the dialogue.”

This year, Misk City welcomed students from Misk Schools and plans to extend its reach to schools across Riyadh and beyond.

“The city mirrors the youth growing alongside them, day by day. Misk has been empowering and investing in youth, making their support its highest priority,” Al-Bader said.

With the “unwavering support” of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, more than 7 million young men and women had benefited from Misk programs, he said.

Kadi Al-Khathaam, the Saudi winner of the 2024 Arab Reading Challenge, was part of the “Leadership in a Future-Led Generation” panel at the forum.

“Reading is a transformation phase and it’s an enlightenment process where I can expand the horizon of my knowledge,” she said.

“Reading for me is the light out of any darkness or hesitance.”

Al-Khathaam said that the ability to communicate effectively allowed individuals to share their insights and experiences with others.

“I read, I discuss, I give the outcome to the world with the best of what I have.”

The crown prince’s advocacy for the education of all Saudi children was a source of inspiration for her, she said.

Saudi Minister of Communication, Information and Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha shared insights on youth-driven leadership and innovation, in line with the forum’s theme of “By Youth For Youth” and commented on Shawn Achor’s book “The Happiness Advantage.”

“We often link happiness with external factors, but we must realize that happiness and ambition are the main drivers of hard work,” he said.

“Let us take it the other way around: If we work with happiness in our hearts, success will follow.”

Al-Swaha shared the story of Dr. Firas Khalil, the first Saudi surgeon to perform heart surgery using AI and robotics.

“This procedure not only reduces recovery times but also saves lives,” he said.

He also spoke about Rayyanah Barnawi, the Kingdom’s first female astronaut.

“Her love and ambition to serve humanity made her the perfect candidate,” he said.

“Nothing is impossible from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the greatest country in the world.”

The forum ends on Tuesday.